Project Manager

Project Manager 

Air Lift, a third-generation family-owned company, was founded in 1949 in Lansing, Michigan. Air Lift supplies the automotive aftermarket with load assist products and performance suspensions for show and track. Our goal is to consistently provide products and services that meet and exceed customer’s requirements and expectations. We do this by recruiting top talent and retaining them through our commitment to professional development and preservation of our culture. 

General Position Information 

Job Description Summary 

We are seeking a highly organized, certified Project Manager to lead cross-functional initiatives within our aftermarket automotive business. This individual will oversee the full lifecycle of projects—from concept through execution—ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic goals. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of project management methodologies, excellent communication skills, and strong familiarity with the aftermarket automotive industry.

Essential Duties

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex projects related to product development, catalog expansion, operations, and process improvements
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements in collaboration with stakeholders
• Utilize Microsoft Project and other project management tools to develop and maintain detailed project plans
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocations, proactively identifying risks and developing mitigation plans
• Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional project teams including engineering, product management, marketing, supply chain, and external vendors
• Track project performance, generate status reports, and communicate project updates to executive leadership and stakeholders
• Ensure all project documentation is compliant with internal processes and industry standards, including ISO 9001 requirements where applicable
• Conduct post-project evaluations to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of project management processes, templates, and best practices across the organization

Competencies, Experience, and Qualifications Required 

Required Qualifications:

• Microsoft Project Certification or documented advanced proficiency – required
• 5 years of project management experience, with at least 2 years in the aftermarket automotive or manufacturing industry
• Strong knowledge of product development processes, manufacturing workflows, and aftermarket product lifecycles
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high quality and attention to detail
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and collaboration tools such as Teams, Asana, or Smartsheet
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Epicor) and PIM/cataloging systems (e.g., SEMA Data Co-op)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field
• Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification
• ACES & PIES certification (via Auto Care Association)
• Lean or Six Sigma certification
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI), value stream mapping, or vendor management in an automotive environment

Benefits

• Health and Wellness
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counseling services or mental health apps
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA/FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare expenses
  • Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off
  • Gym Reimbursement
• Financial Security
  • Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company matching
  • Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage for life and short-term and long-term disability
  • Financial Planning Resources: Access to financial planning workshops or financial advisors
• Career Development
  • Professional Development: Funding for courses, certifications, or conferences
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education